SideXSide Action - November 2007 - (Page 37) PHOTOS & TEXT SHANE HARTMAN he highly anticipated WPSA ATV Tour is not only known for raising the bar in the ATV motocross world, but bringing the world of Side By Side racing to national level. The EPSN televised series travels to Virginia Motorsports Park for round six of the 2007 series. An unusual mix of blue grove and loom corners coupled with challenging rhythm section and uphill jumps would prove to be challenging for the Side By Side racers competing at the weekend’s event. T With a few drivers taking a weekend off for vehicle maintenance, only four drivers would be entered into the Pro Supersport class. When the gate dropped, it was Michael Kneebusch in his Alba Action Sports Rhino pulling the holeshot. Hot on his heels was Daryl Rath in his highly modified Arctic Cat Prowler. Rath’s twin machine driven by Kyle Fielbelkorn slipped into third place and began applying immediate pressure. Entering the rhythm section, Rath attempted to overtake an early leader position but would be held off. As they passed through the Suzuki sweeper, Rath pulled off the track. Further inspection showed mechanical failure, to be expected from a unit still in the testing process. With Rath out of the race, Fielbelkorn took command of second with Brock Lyons in his Lonestar Racing Built Rhino rounding out the top three. Kneebusch continued to open his lead while leaping over many jumps the fans did not expect the SXS machines to clear. Just two laps before the checkered flag, Lyons found himself upside down coming out of the off-camber turn. Soon as he was set back upright he was back on the gas. Unfortunately, a flat tire from his upset would force him to pull off just before the finish line. With only two racers left on the track, Fiebelkorn tried to close the gap, but ran out of time before Kneebusch took the checkered flag. While SXS racing is prominent on the west coast, with the help of the WPSA tour SXS racing is quickly moving eastward. Just halfway through the season, fans and racers alike are anxious to see the advancement of the Pro Supersport class before the last round at Field of Dreams in Pennsylvania. 37
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